Wartime HistoryDuring the night of October 6, 1943 the Naval Battle of Vella Lavella occurred off Vella Lavella. A destroyer force was sent to rescue them including destroyer-transports: Fumizuki, Matsukaze, and Yūnagi escorted by six destroyers: Akigumo, Isokaze, Kazagumo, Yūgumo, Shigure, and Samidare.

At 11:30pm, the Japanese destroyer escorts spotted three USN destroyers approaching from Vella Gulf including USS Selfridge (DD-357), USS Chevalier (DD-451) and USS O'Bannon. During the battle, Yūgumo was hit and sunk. USS Chevalier was hit by a torpedo and sunk. Both USS O'Bannon and USS Selfridge were damaged.

The Naval Battle of Vella Lavella was considered a Japanese victory as they sustained less damage to their destroyers and were able to complete their evacuation mission.